I get what you mean about wanting a checklist versus just following your nose—literally, sometimes. I usually start with the “usual suspects”: under sinks, around toilets, and near the water heater. But honestly, weird smells or stains always end up dictating where I poke around next. As for patching those holes... matching old drywall texture is my nemesis too. I’ve had some luck with a damp sponge and joint compound, kind of dabbing it to blend with the existing finish, but it’s rarely perfect. Lighting seems to make every patch job look different anyway.
Matching old drywall texture is such a pain, right? I’ve tried the sponge trick too, but in my 1920s place, every wall seems to have its own “personality”—some spots are almost smooth, others are like lunar craters. Ever tried using a stiff brush for the heavier textures? Sometimes I wonder if the original builders just made it up as they went. As for plumbing, do you ever check behind old radiators or in crawl spaces? I’ve found some weird leaks hiding in places I never thought to look.
I hear you on those ancient walls—mine’s got everything from “smooth-ish” to “moon surface” too. Tried a stiff brush once and ended up with a pattern that looked like a toddler went wild with oatmeal. As for plumbing, I do my own checkups (because, budget), and my unofficial list is: peek under sinks, behind toilets, and, yeah, behind radiators if you can move them without throwing your back out. Never forget the crawlspace—found a pipe leak there last winter that could’ve turned into a swimming pool. If you’re not afraid of a little dust and maybe a spider or two, a flashlight and a cheap moisture meter go a long way.
Can relate to the crawlspace—mine’s more cobweb than pipe at this point. I’d add, don’t skip checking where old lines meet newer work. Found a slow drip once hiding behind a patch of drywall, only noticed because there was a weird musty smell. I do most checks myself, but if you see any green or white crust around joints, might be time for a pro. Some leaks are sneaky and don’t show until it’s a real mess.
Crawlspaces are wild, right? I’ve seen some that look straight out of a horror movie—cobwebs, random pipes, and the occasional lost sock. You’re spot on about checking where old plumbing meets new. I once helped a client redo their laundry room, and we found a tiny leak behind a baseboard that had been slowly staining the hardwood. The musty smell tipped us off too.
For anyone doing a DIY check, I always suggest starting with visible pipes under sinks, then moving to less obvious spots like behind appliances or inside cabinets. If you see any discoloration on walls or ceilings, that’s usually a red flag. I’m curious—has anyone tried using those moisture meters? I’ve heard mixed things, but they seem handy for catching hidden leaks before they get out of hand.